Bernice E. Gerstenecker

Bernice Elizabeth Wilhelmina (Kruckeberg) Gerstenecker, age 96, of Glen Carbon, IL, passed away at Eden Village on Friday, October 3, 2025, surrounded by her family.  Bernice was born and raised on the family farm in Moro, IL, on December 28, 1928, the daughter of the late William & Nora (Eberhart) Kruckeberg.  On August 11, 1951, Bernice married Donald G. Gerstenecker at St. John’s U.C.C. in Midway, IL.  They celebrated 63 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on August 9, 2014.  She is survived and loved by many friends, family, nieces and nephews. Her surviving family are her four daughters, Donna (Bruce) Rezabek, Diana (Mark) Kruckeberg, Sandy (Kerry) Weinacht, and Susan (Richard) Spillers.  She loved her seven grandchildren, Brian Rezabek, Dawn Rezabek, Eric Kruckeberg, Amy Minor, Samantha (Rob) Clark, Stephanie (Nathan) French and Kayla (Connor Bafetti) Weinacht; five great grandchildren, Gabe, Mirykle, Sebastian, & Grace Rezabek, and Catherine Clark.  Along with her husband and parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her brother, Donald (Lois) Kruckeberg; sisters, Myrna (Les) Strohmeier, Norma (Tom) Anderson; an infant sister, Carol Ann Kruckeberg; in laws, Herb & Cleo Elwick; and brothers-in-law, Gary and Wilton (Martha) Elwick.  Besides working on the family farm, Bernice did many things throughout her long life, providing many great memories. She was an organist for St. John’s U.C.C. in Midway, IL. She cleaned houses, was a bottle inspector at Owens-Illinois Glass Company, worked at Rohrkaste Dairy, and Tasty Twist. Above all family was the most important thing to her. She never missed a school activity or sporting event. She was always in the crowd.  She enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren and watching them grow. She always provided homecooked meals, canned all of Dad’s homegrown fruits and vegetables. Bernice enjoyed playing cards & dominoes and always wanted to win. She was known by many as “Big B” as she kept us all in line. For many years as a family, we enjoyed boating and the cabin at Michael’s Landing in Michael, IL. After the cabin, Don and Bernice enjoyed camping at Branson and Caryle Lake.  She loved the scooter rides with the grandkids.  Many memories and friendships were made over the years.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.  A funeral service will follow on Thursday, October 9, at Eden Church in Edwardsville at 10:30 am with Rev. John Roberts presiding. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Collinsville.  The family suggests memorials be made to Eden Village Care Center or Vitas Hospice.   Condolences may be shared online at weberfuneralhome.com.

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